VPA reports second highest box volume in history

Monday, January 14, 2013

The Virginia Port Authority said its terminals handled 2.1 million TEUs of containerized cargo in 2012, 9.8 percent more than in 2011.
The TEU count was just 22,479 units shy of Hampton Road's biggest volume year in 2007. Measured in tons, container volume was 17,155,583 tons, up 12.4 percent over 2011.
Rodney W. Oliver, VPA’s interim executive director, said the port had a strong December, handing 185,750 TEUs, 20.4 percent more than in December 2011.
The port saw increases in other cargoes as well when compared to 2011.

Breakbulk tonnage was 357,510 tons in 2012, up 2.9 percent.

Railed containers were 385,804, up 16.8 percent.

Barged containers were 8,009, up 82.5 percent.

Ship calls were 1,963, up 7.4 percent.

Vehicle units were 40,031, up 28.5 percent.

“I’m extremely proud of what we accomplished in 2012,” Oliver said. “We had two near strikes, Superstorm Sandy, diverted cargo and several other projects that required our immediate attention throughout the year. With all of those distractions we performed admirably and everyone should be proud.” - Chris Dupin